INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF TASK-BASED LEARNING ON SECONDARY LEVEL STUDENTS' ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Abstract

This paper discusses the effectiveness of Task-Based Learning (TBL) in enhancing English language proficiency among secondary-level students, particularly focusing on reading comprehension and writing fluency. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, targeting students in grades nine and ten from selected secondary schools in City Baddomalhi ,District Narowal and tehsil Mansehra, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study specifically included students from Government Higher Secondary school Attershisha, Government Girls High School Attershisha, Government Higher Secondary school Bherkund, and Government Girls High school Bherkund and Govt Islamia high school Baddomalhi ,Govt Muslim High school Baddomalhi,Government Girls High School No.1 Baddomalhi, Government Girls High School Nai Abadi Baddomalhi ensuring a comprehensive and representative sample from both urban and semi-urban educational institutions in the region. The findings aim to provide empirical evidence on the applicability of TBL in improving language skills and fostering communicative competence, highlighting its relevance for secondary education in the Pakistani context. The sample size was calculated as the L.R. Gay formula in order to have statistical adequacy, and sampling was carried out in a statistical stratified random sampling method in order to have a proportion in the sample across schools and grade levels. The study involved an experimental group that was taught using the TBL approach and a control group that was taught using conventional methods of teaching. Each of the two groups received pre-test and post-test tests in order to determine their reading comprehension and writing fluency. The findings showed that the students who were exposed to the TBL method showed a large improvement in both dimensions than the students who attended the control group. These results emphasise the pedagogical importance of TBL as a viable method of teaching English language proficiency in secondary school and also highlight its prospective use in the teaching of language on a larger scale.